In our 'Little Angels' shop in Rustington High Street we have state-of-the-art ironing equipment. Powerful electric steam irons with precision and great flexibility. At home most of us have a reasonable quality steam iron with which to work, but it hasn't always been that way!
Over 2000 years ago, the wealthy ancient Greeks and Chinese were among the first to use implements to smooth the creases out of fabric. Flat metal pans containing hot coals, similar to Victorina bedpans, were pressed over stretched out fabric to remove the creases. The hard work was done by slaves and would have been hot and tiring.
In Northern Europe smooth flat stones, glass objects with flat bases and wooden slats were used to smooth fabric until the late Middle Ages when blacksmiths started to forge solid metal smoothing irons. These were heated up on a fire or stove. In the late 1800s wooden handles were added to make them easier to use. Two irons were required so that one was always heating up while the other was being used and gradually cooled down. The flat surface of the iron had to be kept very clean and was regularly sand-papered and polished. Great expertise was needed to judge the correct temperature so as not to scorch the fabric. Some irons were made hollow so that hot coals could be put inside them to keep them hot for longer. These had a funnel or chimney to keep the smoky smell away from the cloth.
By 1900 electric irons were available having been first invented in the USA in 1882. Versions with thermostatic control were introduced in the early 1930s.
The first steam iron was invented in 1926 in the USA but they do not become widely used until the 1940s. Their development and refinement has continued since then to give us the high quality steam irons that we know and love today!
Thanks for reading, until next time!
Steve B and the Little Angels Team
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